LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Robert Jasinski of Marengo Community High School (Ill.) and John Lovett from Mystics Fastpitch 16u Sagar (N.J.) are the recipients of the 2024 Easton/NFCA Assistant Coach of the Year award in the high school and travel ball groups.
These awards salute the efforts of coaches from the various NFCA membership categories for their tireless dedication to the sport of softball and to the continued education, growth and development of young women, both on and off the playing field. The collegiate honorees were announced in a press release on July 23, which you can view HERE. Each recipient was nominated by NFCA member coaches and selected by a panel of their peers on the NFCA Awards Committee.
Jasinski, who has been on the coaching staff for nine years, played a pivotal role in Marengo’s regional title in 2024. Just days before the start of the season, head coach Dwayne Nance had a life-altering heart procedure, which sidelined him for the entire season. Jasinski stepped in and served as the program’s interim head coach and they did not miss a beat, finishing with a 30-4 record and a perfect 10-0 mark in conference play. According to Nance, Jasinski is a program coach. He does what is best for the program and makes sacrifices every day to help the program grow. Jasinski, who is an executive with a forklift manufacturing company, has to juggle softball into his daily routine, going in at 6 a.m. and many times returning after practice until 10 or 11 p.m. You will not hear him complain about the schedule as he strives to help the Marengo student-athletes.
Nance also noted – “One reason why he had success filling in for my absence is because the players and parents respect him. They know what his character is and dedication he has to the program. Coach Jasinski is one of a kind. There just are not too many people that would put this much effort into something that is a hobby. But he is making a difference in our players by instilling in them the passion, hard work, determination and dedication to be successful young people. “
Lovett is a volunteer assistant coach with the Mystics and has played a crucial role in the team’s success. Involved in every aspect of coaching, Lovett is a team player. Focusing his guidance and attention to each individual, Lovett works one-on-one to help all players improve their skills. Additionally, he has served as a support system for head coach Akash Sagar, who was dealing with personal family health issues. Sagar noted that Lovett is always ready to step up and help out when needed, which shows his dedication and loyalty to the team. On the field, his guidance has contributed to the team’s success. Even though the team was technically young enough to play 14u, they ranked first in USSSA points and third in the Power Rankings. He goes above and beyond his role as an assistant coach. Even though he volunteers his time and expertise without compensation, he goes above and beyond for the team.
Sagar added, “Simply put, John's love for softball, his dedication to our team, and his ability to bring everyone together make him an outstanding candidate for Assistant Coach of the Year. The impact he's had on our team, the growth of the game, and the development of our players is incredible, and he's an inspiration to all of us in the Mystics family.”
Jasinski, Lovett and all the collegiate winners will be recognized on Dec. 7 during the NFCA Convention's Awards Brunch in Dallas, Texas.
The NFCA is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its highly-regarded Easton/NFCA Assistant Coach of the Year awards, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from podcasts to a comprehensive drills database, to in-person events and a National Convention.
Learn more about the NFCA and consider joining our lineup of over 7,000 coaches today!
